PRS SE NF3 Ice Blue Metallic M
The PRS SE NF3 combines a light, distinctive feel with three single-coil pickups and flexible five-way switching. One customer reported recurring fret problems that were resolved after additional work.
★★★★☆ 4.3/5 · 2 buyer reviews · 6 min read · updated 2026-10-07 · Tested by Cal Whitaker
PRS SE NF3 Ice Blue Metallic M review
The PRS SE NF3 Ice Blue Metallic M is a solid-body electric guitar with a poplar body, maple neck, and maple fingerboard. Its listed price is 699. The model has been available since July 2024, and the item number is 594240. The blue Ice Blue Metallic finish gives the guitar a distinctive look, while the bird fingerboard inlays add a recognizable PRS detail.
Its configuration is built around three Narrowfield DD "S" single-coil pickups, a five-way switch, and one volume and one tone control. The familiar control layout keeps the basic operation straightforward. The pickup specifications identify the design and switching options, but do not establish how the guitar sounds through a particular amplifier, at a particular volume, or with a given playing style. Those factors matter, so a hands-on assessment is more useful than assuming a particular tone from the pickup count alone.
Neck dimensions and playing feel
The maple neck has a wide-thin profile, a 254 mm fingerboard radius, and a nut width of 42.85 mm. Its scale length is 635 mm, and the fingerboard has 22 frets. These measurements give a concrete picture of the neck, but they do not guarantee that it will suit every player. The wide-thin profile is the key shape specification to check in person if neck comfort is a priority. Players who can try the instrument before buying should pay attention to how the width and depth feel across the first few positions and higher up the neck.
One owner describes the guitar as unusually light and says its feel is distinctive, calling the experience impressive. That is useful first-hand feedback, though it is a subjective report rather than a measured weight or a universal result. The available specifications do not list the instrument's weight. Another owner praises the guitar itself and calls it an excellent model worth recommending. Taken together, these comments point to a strong initial impression, with the important caveat that an individual player's comfort and preferences will determine whether the neck and overall feel work for them.
Fretwork and setup deserve attention
The most significant caution in the owner feedback concerns fretwork over time. One buyer reported that the frets were not properly level when the guitar arrived and returned it for correction. The issue appeared again during the heating season, prompting a second return. After further work, the owner said the guitar was fine. They also noted that seasonal humidity changes had not caused the same problem on other guitars they had owned.
This is one reported experience, not evidence that every example of the PRS SE NF3 will have fret problems. Still, it is specific enough to merit a careful inspection, particularly if the guitar will be exposed to dry indoor air during winter. Check for buzzing or notes that choke out when played across the fretboard, and have a qualified technician assess the setup if anything seems off. A return or service process may resolve a particular instrument's issue, as it did for this owner, but buyers should confirm the seller's return and warranty terms before ordering.
Controls, hardware, and included bag
The listed hardware includes a vintage-style tremolo. The controls consist of a master volume and tone control, with a five-way pickup selector. This is a relatively simple arrangement to understand, and the selector provides five positions for choosing among the three pickups and their available combinations. The supplied information does not specify additional switching features, locking hardware, or detailed tremolo construction, so those should not be assumed.
A gig bag is included. A separate hard case is not listed as included, which matters for buyers planning frequent transport or storage where a more protective case is preferred. The product listing gives the color as blue and identifies the full finish as Ice Blue Metallic. It does not list a top wood, and the body specification is poplar.
Verdict
The PRS SE NF3 Ice Blue Metallic M brings together a maple neck and fingerboard, a wide-thin neck profile, 22 frets, and three Narrowfield DD "S" single-coil pickups. Its listed controls and vintage-style tremolo keep the feature set clearly defined, and the included gig bag is useful for basic transport. Positive owner comments focus on its appearance and unusually light, distinctive feel. The main reservation is the reported fretwork problem, which required two returns before the owner was satisfied. Treat that as a reason to inspect the individual guitar and check support terms, not as proof of a widespread defect. For a buyer considering this model, the neck dimensions, pickup layout, finish, and setup condition are the practical points to weigh before purchase.
Shipping and duties
The retailer ships from its warehouse in Germany. Prices are shown in US dollars and do not include import duties. Orders under roughly $800 usually clear US customs without duty; above that, a duty of a few percent may be collected on delivery. 30-day money-back and a 3-year warranty apply.
Scores by area
Where it shines, where it stumbles
What convinced me
- Reviewers praise the comfortable feel, light weight, and distinctive playing experience.
- The three Narrowfield DD S single-coil pickups and five-way switch offer several tone options.
- Includes a gig bag and features a maple fingerboard with bird inlays.
What bugged me
- One reviewer reported uneven frets that required two returns for further work.
- The reported fret issue reappeared during the heating season before being resolved.
Is it the right one for you?
Good pick if
A good fit for players seeking a light guitar with a maple fingerboard and varied single-coil tones. Also worth considering for buyers who value an included gig bag and the PRS design.Look elsewhere if
Not the safest choice for buyers who require consistently flawless fretwork straight out of the box. Look elsewhere if a hard case is essential, since only a gig bag is included.Suggested level: Intermediate
Specifications
- Color
- Blue
- Body
- Poplar
- Top
- None
- Neck
- Maple
- Fretboard
- Maple
- Frets
- 22
- Scale
- 635 mm
- Pickups
- SSS
- Tremolo
- Vintage
- Incl. bag
- Yes
- Including case
- No
What other players say
One customer described the guitar as light, comfortable, and visually appealing, and recommended it as an excellent instrument. Another found the guitar itself very good but reported uneven frets on delivery, with the problem returning during the heating season before a second adjustment resolved it.
The feel is incredible, with a very particular lightness and touch.
It is an excellent model that I recommend.
After the second adjustment, everything is good.
Up close
Watch and listen
Before you decide
Questions players ask
Does the PRS SE NF3 come with a case?
It includes a gig bag, but not a hard case.
What pickups does this guitar have?
It has three Narrowfield DD S single-coil pickups, controlled by one volume knob, one tone knob, and a five-way switch.
What is the scale length?
The scale length is 635 mm.
What woods are used for the body and neck?
The body is poplar, and both the neck and fingerboard are maple.
Should I check the fretwork after delivery?
Yes. One reviewer reported uneven frets that required repeat returns and additional work. Check the frets and setup when the guitar arrives.
The last word from the bench
The PRS SE NF3 offers a comfortable playing feel, a maple fingerboard, and a pickup layout suited to a range of tones. Its included gig bag adds practical value at the listed price. However, one customer needed two returns to address uneven frets, so inspect the fretwork and setup carefully on arrival. The available feedback is limited, making that report worth noting without treating it as representative of every instrument.
Hanging next to it
PRS SE NF3 Ice Blue Metallic M
Today's price and delivery time are shown at the retailer.






